Lions and tigers and rhinos, oh, my! And right here in the USA, no less. Nancy Schretter, managing editor of the Family Travel Network (familytravelnetwork .com), has been scouting safari sites nationwide since seeing wild ponies at Assateague Island as a child. She shares favorites with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

Moose Alley

Northern New Hampshire

"Route 3 running from Pittsburg, N.H., north to the Canadian border, affectionately dubbed 'Moose Alley,' is a great place to take a moose safari," Schretter says. "The best times to see these huge, majestic creatures are in the early morning and at dusk. Designated a 'Watchable Wildlife Corridor,' there is a viewing station on Route 26 in Dixville Notch." 800-698-8939; northcountrychamber.org

Cumberland Island National Seashore

St. Marys, Ga.

Accessible only by ferry, Georgia's southernmost barrier island is an unspoiled beach destination. "It's home to nesting sea turtles as well as manatees, wild horses, white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, raccoons, otters and more than 300 species of birds," Schretter says. "You'll find mansions and ruins located throughout this wilderness island, originally home to the Carnegies and other prominent families. Come over for the day, camp overnight, or stay at the historic Greyfield Inn." Reservations are necessary for camping and recommended for the ferry. 912-882-4336; nps.gov/cuis

Everglades National Park

Homestead, Fla.

"This 1.4-million-acre park is teeming with wildlife," Schretter says. "Take a safari through the lush sea of grasses of Florida Bay or through the backcountry Wilderness Waterway to see manatees, crocodiles, deer, wild hogs, alligators, roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, hawks, eagles and a wide variety of other birds that varies by season. There are privately run boat tours with park-trained naturalists who provide an interpretation of the resources at both the Flamingo and Everglades City entrances into Everglades National Park." 305-242-7700; nps.gov/ever

The Living Desert

Palm Desert, Calif.

"There are many family-friendly activities here, where children are encouraged to participate in the daily feeding of a giraffe calf named Mutombo," Schretter says. "From January through May, you can sleep in tents on overnight 'starry safaris' that feature a special 'wildlife wonders' presentation, dinner and a guided nighttime walk through the park." Look, too, for cheetahs, sand cats, badgers and baby fox at this zoological park. 760-346-5694; livingdesert.org

Spring Creek Ranch

Jackson Hole, Wyo.

"Spring Creek Ranch, located near Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, offers a variety of wildlife safaris in the parks for its guests," Schretter says. "The safaris are led by the staff naturalist. Wildlife viewing may include herds of bison, moose, elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes and birds of prey. In May, early June and October, there's a Wolf Safari Weekend in Yellowstone National Park." 800-443-6139; springcreekranch.com

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Glen Rose, Texas

"If you can't take the family to Africa this year, Fossil Rim is the next best thing," Schretter says. "More than 1,100 animals representing 60 species roam freely on 1,800 acres — including giraffes, Thomson's gazelles, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, rhinos, oryxes and seven other varieties of antelope. For that true safari feeling, stay overnight in a tented cabin at the Foothills Safari Camp overlooking one of Fossil Rim's most popular wildlife watering holes." 254-897-2960; fossilrim.com

Isle Royale National Park

Michigan

"Isle Royal is a remote island located in the northwest quadrant of Lake Superior," Schretter says. "This wilderness national park, the site of the world's longest-running wolf/moose predator/prey study, is a sanctuary for these two magnificent animals. They are two of the main attractions here, but visitors can also spot beaver, red fox, lynx, snowshoe hare, mink, osprey and bald eagles. Access is by ferry or float plane only." 906-482-0984; nps.gov/isro

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Assateague Island, Va.

"Come to this 37-mile-long barrier island to see herds of the famous wild ponies at the refuge, as well as tiny Sika elk, fox squirrels, muskrats, white-tailed deer, raccoons and more than 300 varieties of birds — and stay for the beautiful beaches, fishing, hiking and biking. The annual Pony Swim is on July 25 and 27," Schretter says. Camping is permitted on the Maryland side of the island. 757-336-6122; chinco.fws.gov

National Bison Range

Moiese, Mont.

"Hundreds of buffalo, along with elk, bighorn sheep, black bear, white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn antelope and coyotes roam 18,766 acres here. More than 200 species of birds can also be found in this area," Schretter says. "The best time to visit is mid-May through mid-September. More wildlife viewing is available at nearby Glacier National Park." 406-644-2211;bisonrange.fws.gov

Denali National Park

Denali Park, Alaska

"To me, Alaska is like the domestic equivalent of Kenya or Tanzania," Schretter says. "There are so many fabulous places to see wildlife that it's difficult to pick just one. In south-central Alaska, for example, one can journey to Denali, where 39 species of mammals dwell, and view grizzly bears, sheep and moose." Cruise companies, from boutique CruiseWest to behemoth Princess Cruises, offer packages that include Denali land excursions. 907-683-2294; nps.gov/dena

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In Texas: Curious giraffes at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center take in the sights — and turn the tables on visitors.

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